Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Consumer Reports is positively influenced by rug height adjustments.  Likes them and recommends vacuums with them.  I recall the photos that M00seUK references.  As I recall, they were just photos w/o descriptions.  No information about the vacuum and/or rug types causing the problems.  It's difficult for a self-adjusting vacuum to do well in the USA.  The only brand of exception is ORECK due to the lightweight.  And as mentioned ORECK excels on low to medium carpet heights.  Too high, and it takes extra muscle to pull and push, the problem with DC28. 

Carmine D.

I believe the photos were taken from an internal / dealer video presentation by Dyson and that the vacuum used in one comparison was the Hoover Windtunnel. It appeared that the Hoover had been running on a carpeted test rig. A section of the carpet was displayed, showing visible wearing as tracks in the pile. Of course, there's nothing to substantiate the claims and Dyson are highly unlikely to go public with these findings. It would fair to assume that the DC28 has been designed as their best compromise of deep down cleaning, while reducing carpet wear.

I like the idea of the DC28 for the tech used, but subjectively wonder if deep down cleaning is required in most homes? Sure, some people will worry about cleanliness and others will have a desire to have the latest and greatest, regardless of the expense. But, personally I don't see it as a big issue.

I remember being curious about carpet height adjusters on vacuums when I was younger. We had an Electrolux with two settings and a Hoover with three. The Hoover needed to be tipped forwards to change the setting - I don't think my parents ever really used it as a result. So, makes good sense to have the switch in an accessible place.

I suspect that Dyson could have easily added a more aggressive brush roll when fitting up the DC07 (and later models) for the US launch. However, you perhaps have to appreciate their typical approach. Being 100% owned by the Dyson family, James has the freedom to do things his own way. There might well have been a decision on the choice of brush roll, with James preferring to 'do it the proper way' rather than fit an over aggressive brush.

A publicly owned company would likely have made a different decision, for the short term financial gain. But Dyson seem happy to get their returns by other long-term means like with the digital motor leading to the hand drier product and the patents filed for possible kitchen appliances, etc. So long as they can maintain sales and cashflow, the company stays private and benefits from greater investment of profits from reduced dividends, away from volatile financial markets.

M00seUK wrote:

Thanks M00seUK:  I do recall the reference to HOOVER WT.  In fact the poster if I recall correctly used the non-public data to bash HOOVER's WT technology.  Ironically, dyson's DC17 Absolute Animal which has rated in the top 10 by Consumer Reports and or close, has been accused of being too aggressive and causing carpet damage.  With carpet maker[s] voiding its warranty if dysons are used.  This has never been the case for HOOVER vacuums.

WRT dyson sales and cashflow, is dyson accomplishing its targeted sales and profit goals in the UK in 2008/09?

Carmine D.

M00seUK wrote:
Hi MOOseUK,

The big issue about deep cleaning is not only about cleaning or cleanliness but about reducing carpet wear by getting at material (grit, sand, etc.) that sinks down to the base of carpet fibers and cut into those fibers as we walk walk over the rug everyday. Let me add that I have seen far more carpeting, whether cheap or expensive, go to pot from little or no vacuuming than from frequent or regular vacuuming.

Deep cleaning ability has been used as a vantage point for selling vacuums for years and years BUT it all depends on the way life is lived in an individual home. In any home where good carpet is installed and that has several inhabitants and lots of traffic in and out, deep cleaning is far more an issue. In a home were there is not a lot of traffic or activity there's probably a lot less to worry over in regard to rug wear. Not necessarily considered fashionable, in a home where broadloom protectors employed (runners in high traffic areas, throws or matching pieces of carpet in front of seating in a living room) the picture changes too.

I've always liked the liked vacuums that can carry you well no matter your living condition. If your carpeting is not in a very challenging environment you merely use a good vacuum to keep it fresh and groomed. That just takes a pass or two per square foot However, in even the quietest homes things happen. Out of the blue you may just happen to have very active guests come to call or have to open your door to workmen after the ceiling falls in. It never hurts to be reasonably prepared.

A good vacuum is like a good car. You may spend the larger part of your time riding on level ground but it's good to know that you can travel up a hill without problem should you come to one.

Best,

Venson

Venson wrote:

HI Venson

I always figured if you sit or lay on your carpet....allow shoes in the house. then this means you need a deep cleaner.  more so if you have kids or pets.

for lighter duty just raise height a little.....and once a year or less wet/dry clean your carpets.....whatever works best....as my knowledge is limited as to what do it yourself system is best for heavy traffic carpet....

retardturtle1 wrote:
Hi turtle1,

First, vacuum cleaners do not sanitiize. They pick up dirt and litter but do not effectively remove bacteria, etc., save for the Halo claims which I doubt strongly. Deep cleaning for a vacuum is no more than removing grit and dirt that gets worked all the way down into the carpet. Some machines do this better than others.

I have but one friend here who asks that you remove your shoes when you enter his home -- and not for religious purposes. He is diabetic and feels his chances for contracting foot problems will be lessened. This is a very serious issue for folks with the same condition. Is the practice of benefit? I do not know.

Second, you do not adjust a vacuum for "light duty". You simply use it less. Room to room, if you have a variety of carpeting, you determine the proper settings for your upright or canister with power nozzle and use them. That said, as I said prior, if there's not been a lot going on trafficwise in the room your cleaning -- just a couple passes with a good vac is all that called for for there. You simply want to pick up surface dust and keep the rug looking peppy. In a room where there's lot's of activity and stuff being tracked in you obviously want to spend more time because there is more to be dealt with.

As far as sanitizing, the best you can do is have your carpeting thoroughjy cleaned once or twice a year. Use of a vapor steam cleaner periodically between cleanings may be helpful in killing bacteria and dust mites. However, the issue there remains debatable since you can never get them all and both bacteria and dust mites all breed quickly and in volume.

Again, you just need on good vacuum for multi-tasking. Just a little traffic etc. means just a little vacuuming. A lot of traffic, a lot of stuff being tracked in -- vacuum more.

Venson

dyson DC28 Airmuscle Animal Vacuum

$529.00

Looks like one dealer advertising here has already dropped the price by $70 and offers free same day shipping and no sales tax.

Let the price wars begin.  HSN eat your hearts out.

Carmine D.

M00seUK wrote:
Hello Moose,

Marrying a full-proof way (the floating nozzle) to a clear bin was genus.  CR can say all it wanted or rate the Dyson as low as it wanted...  it did not matter.  Word of mouth and/or HSN demos sold the vacuum BIG TIME.  IMO, the floating nozzle is less about “not having knobs to fiddle with” and more about insuring debris makes it into the clear bin with ever users.  Insuring the bin filling up with every user was always the goal, AND IT WORKED!


DIB

If dyson sees a floating head on a full size upright as genius then rug height adjustments on vacuums must be the equivalent of a miracle.  No one save a person in a frozen sleep, read mummy, would agree.

Carmine D. 

The dirt embedded in a rug, if not removed, overtime is the key element for premature rug wear and damage.  All rug makers will attest to it.  The Carpet and Rug Institute says so too.  A rug can hold its weight in dirt and still look clean.  If that dirt is not removed, the carpet wears out.  Back to the dyson's latest.  It claims to get ouyt the deep down dirt.  Question:  IN comparison to what other brands/models?  Dysons?  Make the claim, prove the claim, and see how many sell for $500-$600.  Make the claim, don't prove the claim, and see how many sell for $500-$600.  With such a claim, dyson MUST seek the approval of the CRI.  As proof.  If not, good luck.  Perhaps the same people DIB talks about buying $300 dyson handhelds will buy dysons with rug adjustments.  Of course if one waits, one/another may be gifted with purchase of the other.  

Carmine D.